Countdown to episode 2

Hi, all. This is Andy Hartzell, writer and lead designer for episode two of "The Devil's Playhouse." As you can see from my pitiful post history, I haven't properly acquired the forum habit yet. But I promise to visit regularly for at least the next month or two.

So let's see...what can I tell you about the upcoming installment? You know it's called "The Tomb of Sammun-Mak", and you've guessed that it involves the mysterious objects that were revealed in the final moments of "The Penal Zone". I can tell you that it's going to be a big episode and a twisty one, a tale that ranges widely in time and space. Like episode 1, this one throws a few new ingredients into the Telltale stew, but the flavor of this one is a bit different. Less oregano, more...cumin. And clove.

There, is that enigmatic enough? Please feel free to post any questions or speculations you may have, and I promise to respond promptly with cryptic non-answers.

MarkoH01: I wouldn't expect to see controls like the ability to turn off the film-grain effect, at least not in episode 2. The art director likes it, and he wants you to like it too. Personally I dig it...I think it adds texture (and is particularly appropriate for episode 2). But the fans have ultimate veto power. Organize a big enough protest against film grain and we will reconsider.

Tjibbbe:

A. Episode 2 marks a definite (temporary) departure from the 70's sci-fi vibe of Episode 1. It riffs on at least three other genres...points for guessing which ones.

Well...with the comment on film grain being particularly appropriate, I'm going to guess (or at least hope) that one of the genres is the old 40s/50s film noir/Hitchcock style.

After all, with the new dynamic shadows and all that, I'd imagine it'd be tempting to play with a genre that made such heavy use of light and shadow, but...we'll see.

No, you won't be using Future Vision in episode 2. It may return to your arsenal in subsequent episodes, but I think it's safe to reveal that it won't be featured as prominently as it was in episode 1, as new Toys of Power come into play.